So, how do people at Rubbermaid recycle? I was curious, so I asked around.
At my house, we used to put all the empty recycling items on the edge of the island as we were finished with them. I became frustrated with the recycling clutter that continually gathered on the island in our kitchen. It would sometimes sit there for days at a time before we took it out to the garage where our recycling bins are. Recently, we put a small trash bin under our sink for all recyclables.
Now, we end up only making a couple of trips out to the garage during the week and it really helps keep our island free of clutter. Also, when we have people over, we put the recycling bin out in the open so our friends can throw their cans in one bin and their garbage in the other. We don’t have to spend as much time cleaning up after them, keeps our island clean, and helps our friends recycle too. (Plus, since my husband is in charge of normal trash duty, and all of the recyclables are in a trash can, it’s his job to take the can out to the garage! I love it!)
I asked Erin, our friendly blogger extraordinaire, how she recycles at home. She and her roommates use paper bags from Trader Joes or Harris Teeter and keep them in the pantry. They wash the recyclable items, throw them in the bag, then take the bag out to the garage when it is full. Her roommate likes using the paper bags because if anything spills, they don’t have to clean a trash can, but can just toss the bag.
I also asked Rob, one of our industrial designers, what his recycling is like at home. Of course he jerry-rigged part of his recycling so it’s all creative! He puts paper in one can.
Then he set up this clear tote above his garbage can. Putting his recycling bin right near his trash can has helped him recycle more since it’s in such a convenient location.
When his tote gets full, he throws everything out into his large 45 gallon can for the recycling truck to pick up.
It seems like people around here have found some interesting ways to recycle at home. Have you found a solution for recycling that works for you?
If you would like to get more information about recycling in your area, this page from the National Recycling Coalition is a great resource.
